Classic Niseko Ski Vacation Itinerary
Day 1-2: Tokyo
Arrival in Tokyo: Begin your ski adventure in Japan with a huge dose of culture in Tokyo. Check in to your hotel and explore the city’s iconic neighborhoods. Dive into the electric energy of Shinjuku, admire the fashion in Harajuku, and explore the intriguing neighborhood of Asakusa.
Enjoy Tokyo’s dynamic mix of ultra-modern and traditional aspects. Sample some of Tokyo’s famous cuisine, like sushi at Tsukiji Market, and enjoy a night out in the thriving districts of Shibuya or Roppongi.
Don’t worry about lugging around your skis either. Your Ski.com agent will make sure your skis are shipped directly to your hotel in Niseko.
Day 3: Tokyo → Sapporo → Niseko
Morning Travel: Catch a flight from Tokyo to Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido. This northern city is known for its beer, ramen, and the annual Sapporo Snow Festival. It’s also the pearly gates that lead you straight to Ja-POW. Transfer to Niseko: From Sapporo, travel to Niseko, one of Japan's most famous ski resorts known for its incredible powder snow. Take in Hokkaido’s incredible scenic winter landscapes as you ride through the country. Spend the smooth train ride day dreaming about bottomless pow turns.
Day 4-8: Niseko
Skiing or Snowboarding: With several days in Niseko, take full advantage of the slopes. With so much to explore, there is a wide range of trails, on and off-piste, for all levels. Niseko is renowned for its consistent snowfall, offering some of the best powder skiing in the world. When not shredding deep powder, rest in one of Niseko’s many onsens (hot springs), drink Japanese whiskey and kick back with the locals while eating ramen. Hot tip: Work with a Mountain Travel Expert to schedule a guide to make the most of the neighboring ski areas. (Imagine, if the weather is bad where you are, you can chase pow and weather where it's the deepest and best.) Your guide will maximize each day for the best forecast. They can get you to Rusutsu, Moiwa and Kiroro also! Keep in mind public transportation in the area is limited so having a guide with a van gives you the best access to all the resorts in the area.
Day 9: Niseko → Sapporo → Tokyo
Morning Departure: Leave Niseko and head back to Sapporo. This is an opportunity to briefly revisit the city if time allows, perhaps grabbing a last bowl of Sapporo’s famous miso ramen. Afternoon Flight to Tokyo: Return to Tokyo by air and check back into a hotel for a brief stay, capturing any last moments of Tokyo’s nightlife or shopping.
Day 10-12: Kyoto
Travel to Kyoto: Board a bullet train to Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital. This city is the heart of traditional Japan, with countless temples, shrines, gardens, and wooden houses. Explore Kyoto: Spend three days visiting major historical sites like the Fushimi Inari Shrine with its iconic thousand-red torii gates, the golden Kinkaku-ji, and the sprawling Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Don’t miss experiencing a traditional tea ceremony or a kaiseki dinner. Take the time to walk through Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district, potentially spotting a geisha on her way to an engagement.
Day 13: Departure
Departure: Conclude your trip by traveling back to Tokyo for your flight home or depart directly from Kyoto if available.